pathogenic

[path-uh-jen-ik] /ˌpæθ əˈdʒɛn ɪk/
adjective
1.
Pathology. capable of producing disease:
pathogenic bacteria.
Origin
1850-55; patho- + -genic
Related forms
antipathogenic, adjective
nonpathogenic, adjective
Examples from the web for pathogenic
  • Meanwhile the virus has undergone huge genetic changes and become even more pathogenic.
  • The combination of heat and the sun's ultraviolet rays kills any pathogenic germs.
  • The smaller chromosome seems to contain many of the genetic elements that make the cholera organism pathogenic.
  • He said he feared the plant would harbor pathogenic bacteria and emit gases.
  • The micro-organism will evolve to eventually become less pathogenic and eventually benign.
  • Hoffmann discovered the cell receptors in laboratory fruit flies that are activated by pathogenic bacteria or fungi.
  • Science can modify microorganisms that reduce fertility, to be non pathogenic.
  • And maybe because of a higher acid content in the gut these bugs evolved to become pathogenic.
British Dictionary definitions for pathogenic

pathogenic

/ˌpæθəˈdʒɛnɪk/
adjective
1.
able to cause or produce disease: pathogenic bacteria
Word Origin and History for pathogenic
adj.

"producing disease," 1836, from French pathogénique, from Greek pathos "disease" (see pathos) + French -génique "producing" (see -gen). Related: Pathogenetic (1838); pathogenicity.

pathogenic in Medicine

pathogenic path·o·gen·ic (pāth'ə-jěn'ĭk) or path·o·ge·net·ic (-jə-nět'ĭk)
adj.

  1. Having the capability to cause disease.

  2. Producing disease.

  3. Relating to pathogenesis.


path'o·ge·nic'i·ty (-jə-nĭs'ĭ-tē) n.
pathogenic in Culture
pathogenic [(path-uh-jen-ik)]

A descriptive term for a thing or condition that can cause disease.